Microsoft senior software engineer Rahul Devikar outlines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on modern software development, emphasizing accelerated timelines, iterative efficiency, and the enduring necessity of human engineering oversight. Since joining Microsoft in 2018, Devikar has integrated AI assistants like GitHub Copilot, Claude, and internal enterprise tools into his daily workflow. He notes that development cycles, which previously required weeks or months for initial builds and subsequent revisions, now frequently compress into days. The most significant efficiency gains occur during post-initial-code iteration phases rather than initial code generation. When design flaws are identified and revisions are required, AI dramatically reduces the rework period from months to days or weeks. Despite these productivity gains, Devikar highlights that AI hallucinations remain a persistent challenge. He cautions that recognizing incorrect or nonsensical outputs requires strong foundational engineering knowledge and active verification. Developers must treat AI as a collaborative assistant rather than an autonomous replacement. Overreliance without technical literacy risks producing low-quality code. He recommends breaking complex tasks into smaller, sequential prompts and maintaining clear, descriptive instructions to maximize tool accuracy. Looking beyond immediate workflows, Devikar draws a parallel between current AI adoption and the early expansion of the internet. He anticipates that AI will eventually become an invisible, everyday utility rather than a disruptive novelty. This transition will demand continuous upskilling rather than workforce reduction. While acknowledging recent tech industry layoffs, he maintains that AI will likely generate new product categories and development opportunities, preserving the need for engineers to architect systems and make strategic technology decisions. The engineering role will evolve, with AI handling routine code generation while developers focus on high-level design, integration, and quality assurance. Devikar advises developers to actively experiment with AI-driven development practices and adaptive prompting techniques. By treating AI as a specialized tool that requires precise direction, engineers can harness its capabilities without compromising technical rigor. His perspective underscores a broader industry shift toward human-AI collaboration, where accelerated delivery and iterative refinement coexist with sustained engineering expertise.